Sam Mendes in talks for 'Bond 23'

The British filmmaker is the top choice of producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to helm the 23rd installment in the spy series, which will be Daniel Craig's third outing as the secret agent.

Recent reports have suggested that the movie will be sidelined until the sale of financially-stricken studio MGM, however production is reportedly being put on the frontburner with shooting possibly beginning in June this year.

Robert Wade, Neal Purvis and Oscar nominee Peter Morgan have penned the script for the film. MGM is targeting the untitled 007 picture for release in 2011.

Mendes, who is married to Kate Winslet, has also directed American Beauty, Road To Perdition, Jarhead and Away We Go.